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Oscar De La Hoya shares surprising take on Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Oscar De La Hoya is fired up for Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Jake Paul will return to the boxing ring for the first time since his controversial fight with Mike Tyson in November. Paul will meet Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the son of a boxing icon and a former world champion.

Paul vs. Chavez is one of several marquee fights this summer. If Paul can get past a fighter of Chavez’s caliber, it could lead the polarizing boxer to earn other big-name bouts, including a resurrection of Canelo Alvarez fight negotiations.

Paul was in talks to face Alvarez earlier this year before negotiations fell apart in the final stages. But despite losing out on the Alvarez fight, Paul still has the chance to hold a bragging right over Alvarez, according to a legend.

Jake Paul at a boxing open workout.
Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024

Oscar De La Hoya sends a message to Jake Paul’s detractors ahead of return

During a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Oscar De La Hoya explained how Paul can one-up Alvarez in his upcoming boxing return.

“Imagine if Jake Paul can hurt or even wobble Chavez Jr.,” De La Hoya began on Paul vs. Chavez. “It’s something Canelo [Alvarez] didn’t do or couldn’t do! Jake Paul, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., it’s a real fight! People keep talking about Jake Paul…well he’s fighting a real fighter now, and it’s going to be a good test for both guys. Obviously, Jake Paul is a master-class promoter in what he does, he’s been doing some great things…

“Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., when he trains, when he gets in shape, when he’s focused, he’s dangerous for anybody. Canelo Alvarez fought Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., we promoted that fight many years ago. Didn’t knock him out, couldn’t hurt him. So imagine if Jake Paul can hurt or even wobble Chavez Jr., it’s something that Canelo couldn’t do.”

Alvarez outpointed Chavez in 2017 by unanimous decision. Three of Paul’s last five wins have come by stoppage, including recent knockouts of Ryan Bourland and Mike Perry.

Chavez returns to the ring after back-to-back decision wins over former UFC star Uriah Hall and David Zegarra.

Jake Paul looks to extend winning streak against former world champion boxer

Paul has bounced back well since suffering his first professional loss to Tommy Fury in 2023. He’s won five consecutive fights and hasn’t slowed down in his pursuit of big-name matchups.

Chavez is looking to reclaim the magic that made him the WBC middleweight champion earlier in his career. He’s won three of his last four outings, with the lone blemish coming against former UFC superstar Anderson Silva.

Paul has faced his fair share of mockery for his questionable strength of opponents during his career. But for De La Hoya, a win over Chavez would solidify Paul’s standing in the sport.